The new PS5 slim model allows for easy swapping of the detachable disc drive between consoles using only your fingers, another disc drive, and an internet connection.
A recently shared unboxing video by YouTuber Mystic (via Eurogamer) demonstrates the straightforward process of attaching a disc drive to your PS5. Similar to the larger model, the PS5 slim features detachable plastic wings and a prefabricated slot where you can insert the disc drive. Even though the slim version is designed to be digital-only, it still includes the slot for the disc drive, without including the drive itself.
To utilize the disc drive, online registration is necessary. Mystic suggests that this process is relatively straightforward. All you need to do is connect your PS5 to the internet, update the firmware, and the disc drive will be activated. Once this is done, you can use the disc drive and play games without a PSN login, even when offline. The drives function interchangeably after registration, allowing you to switch between different disc drives without needing to repeat the registration process, unless you perform a factory reset on the console. If you want to upgrade your digital console or need to replace a broken disc drive, you can simply plug in another drive and connect it to the internet.
However, this requirement raises concerns regarding the future preservation capabilities of these PS5 consoles, as the drive becomes unusable without the internet check-in. Mystic suggests in the video that "Sony is likely proactively complying with DMCA lobbying, as an online check-in is typically required when changing Blu-ray drives."
In other PlayStation news, the latest PS5 system update improves system performance and not much else.
Editor's P/S
As a passionate gamer, I am thrilled about the prospect of easily swapping disc drives between PS5 Slim consoles. The fact that it only requires simple registration upon insertion makes the process incredibly user-friendly. This feature opens up new possibilities for gamers, allowing them to upgrade their digital consoles or replace broken disc drives without hassle.
However, the requirement for an internet connection to activate the disc drive raises concerns about future preservation capabilities. The reliance on online check-ins could potentially render the drive unusable if the internet is unavailable. While I understand the need for compliance with DMCA regulations, I hope Sony can find a balance that ensures both convenience and long-term accessibility for gamers.
